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What is an EEG test? (Electroencephalogram)
An EEG is a recording of the electricity (everyone has it) in your brain that is ultimately stored within a computer.The amount of electricity is very small and
even small movements will interfere with the recording. This is why relaxation is important.
What do EEG’s show? How does it help the doctor diagnose your problems?
By looking at the shape, frequency and height of the waves, the doctor can tell whether the brain is healthy or not.
It can also tell about the possibility of epilepsy.
How long does an EEG take?
An EEG takes about 1 1/2 hours
How to get ready for an EEG:
Wash your hair – apply no sprays, oils, or dressings of any kind. Eat a normal meal within 2 hours of the test. Continue taking prescribed medications unless your doctor instructed you not to.
What happens when you come to the laboratory?
A specially trained technician will be with you throughout the test and give you instructions as needed.
The following activities will occur during your visit to the laboratory:
- The technician will measure your head and put blue marks on your scalp with a soft pencil where the electrodes will go (usually 23 electrodes).
- Each spot will be scrubbed with a special solution and a cotton tipped applicator.
- Nothing goes into or under your skin. This is the only part of the test that may feel a little uncomfortable, like cleaning any area of skin thoroughly.
- Then the technician will check to make sure there is a good electrical connection by testing each electrode on a special meter.
- The test begins: The recording section of the EEG takes about 30 minutes. You will be asked to get comfortable, close your eyes and relax. At certain times, you will be asked to open and close your eyes (do this only when asked), and to breathe deeply for about 3 minutes. Also, the strobe light will be flashed off and on for a few minutes during one section of the test.
- The test ends: Electrodes are removed from the head with warm water. You may wash your hair when you get back to your room or home, unless your activities have been restricted.
- A specialist in reading EEG will interpret the test results and communicate with your private physician.
- Your doctor will then tell you the results of your test.
24-48 Hr. Ambulatory EEG:
The set up same as regular EEG with the exception that the patient will wear the electrodes home and record activities in a small diary. The EEG data will be collected in a small cassette that is worn around the waist.
Instructions and phone number will be given to patient.
The patient is asked to maintain as normal of a day as possible without getting the electrodes wet or changing any clothing over the head.
The patient will be asked to return after 24-48 hr. (depending upon length of time the doctor orders) with diary and have electrodes
removed or they may be removed at home and return them.
Data will be reviewed and a report will be sent to your doctor, usually within 1-2 weeks.
Use - when unable to capture events on a standard EEG - when more data is required. Patient should have had a routine
EEG prior to extended test.
Video EEG:
A video EEG consists of recording the electrical activity of the brain plus audio and video recording simultaneously.
A video EEG allows the physician to see brain wave activity along with any movements or sounds made by the patient. The patient may experience unusual movements of their
body. Recording these movements along with brain activity helps the physician determine if there is a correlation between movement and abnormal brain activity.
The patient will need to be admitted to Sparrow for observation by the nursing staff along with the video recording.
This set up is very similar to a regular EEG.
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